Your Nissan X-Trail in Europe comes with just one transmission option – the CVT. OK, there is another type – the one-speed EV transmission for the e-Power version. Also, all European X-Trails are powered by a single type of engine – a 1.5L 3-cylinder KR15DDT engine, both pure petrol and hybrid versions.
Interestingly, CVT transmissions from Jatco have already caused so many problems for Nissan and they still keep using them.
As far as I know, the new X-Trail is powered by the fresh version of the CVT-X transmission codenamed JF022E in the Jatco catalogues. Also, Nissan has its own codes for this transmission: GE0F10C for front-wheel-drive cars and GE0F14A for all-wheel-drive ones.
What are the problems with the CVT gearbox in the X-Trail?
Well, I’ve already had more than one client complaining about CVT problems in the new generation of the Nissan’s SUV. Of course, for now, all the problems are still solved by the dealership because nearly all X-Trails of the new generation are still under warranty.
But here’s the list of problems that I’ve managed to compile for now:
- Quite noisy work. From day one, they tend to make all kinds of different sounds that don’t comfort you when you drive the SUV.
- Fluid change requirements. Even dealers started offering to change the fluid in this CVT way earlier than the manufacturer recommends. This is a bad sign proving that the expected longevity is pretty poor.
- It needs warming up. If you just put your transmission in D and start driving, there is a high chance it will die between 10 and 20 thousand miles (up to 30K kilometers). You need to warm up the transmission before you start driving. That’s very inconvenient.
- Glitchy electronics. This model of CVT appeared in 2021 and it’s still very fresh and I would say not ready for optimal use. Jatco keeps throwing one software update after another which is yet another sign of bad things coming up.
- Potential risks with control units. I’ve heard about several cases of control unit replacement under warranty. As for me, this is a hugely bad sign.
While some of you may suppose that each generation of the transmission should become better and better, I can argue with this just by understanding how bad Jatco’s continuously variable transmissions are.
I don’t know why Nissan keeps installing this disposable transmission under the hood of the X-Trail (and also Qashqai) compromising the overall great car and keeping thousands of potential buyers away from even thinking about the purchase.
Unfortunately, the problems I’ve listed above are just some facts I already know about the new Jatco CVT. Let’s wait and see whether the “classic” CVT problems are still there and the entire transmission will fail at about 90,000 miles (150,000 km).
Is there a way to prolong the life of the X-Trail’s transmission?
Yes, certainly there are ways to own your X-Trail longer and have fewer transmission problems. I still can’t guarantee that by following the tips listed below you will succeed in taking your gearbox to a certain mileage or a certain age. Sorry, no one can guarantee you anything when it comes to CVTs.
So, here’s what I would do if I decided to buy the new X-Trail with the CVT:
1) Warming up in the warning.
Before you start driving, start your engine and keep your foot on the brake pedal. Engage the Drive mode in your shifter and don’t drive for 30-40 seconds more. For this time, the fluid warms up softly, and then driving will not damage your transmission as badly as it could have.
Also, after you start driving in the morning or just when your vehicle is cold, don’t drive aggressively for some time. Drive calmly and don’t accelerate as if you are late to the airport. This will help your CVT warm up to its working temperature with no damage.
2) Don’t tow anything
You can find some towing capacity for the new X-Trail in the driver’s manual. But the problem is that CVT transmissions hate towing anything with all their hearts.
When you tow something, the transmission overloads and heats like crazy. This may lead to quick fluid deterioration and you may eventually lose this transmission much earlier than you think.
Towing even a 100-kilogram trailer is not recommended if you have a CVT.
3) Change the fluid more often than recommended.
I would stick to 25,000 miles or 40,000 kilometers intervals. Also, if you don’t drive a lot, you should change the fluid at least once every 3-4 years.
Why is that so important? The fluid in your CVT is contaminated constantly. The filter may not clean it effectively from all contaminants and, as a result, the fluid stops working well. It doesn’t lubricate or cool down the transmission and the CVT fails eventually.
Changing the fluid once every 60K miles is a crazy idea and your transmission has little chance of surviving even till the first fluid change.
4) Avoid wheels slipping
Love burnouts? Then the X-Trail is certainly not the right car for you. When your wheels slip even a little, the CVT wants to die. This is probably the hardest time for this transmission.
So, never turn off ESP or other traction control functions in your Nissan. Avoid driving off the road. Avoid pressing your accelerator hard when you are on a slippery surface like snow or ice.
Slipping wheels will kill the CVT even faster than poor maintenance.
5) Avoid any chip tuning or larger wheel installation
I don’t know what can make you tune your engine in the X-Trail. The 1.5L turbo powerplant is pretty good and doesn’t require any upgrades to provide you with fun driving. But I’m saying this just in case – never chip-tune any car with a CVT, this will most likely kill your transmission.
Also, installing larger wheels than accepted in your car model puts a lot of load on the transmission. If it’s the CVT, it will want to die soon after you play with the wheel size.
6) Overheating is a no-no
Heating up the transmission fluid is the best way to deteriorate its quality and properties. If you overheat the transmission, change the fluid as soon as possible. Otherwise, the broken-up fluid will damage the gearbox.
A simple example of how you can overheat the CVT: keeping the shifter in D and standing in a traffic jam without movement for more than 2 minutes. Or towing. Or off-roading. Or driving with traction control deactivated.
How many miles should the CVT last in the X-Trail?
Of course, I can’t predict the actual lifespan for the new CVT that Nissan installs in the new generation of the X-Trail. I haven’t seen a single car of this model passing the 40,000-mile mark, so it’s too early to talk about the longevity.
But I can base my predictions on previous generations of the CVT by Jatco and things are very unpleasant there.
I would think about selling the X-Trail when the mileage comes up to 80,000 miles or 130,000 kilometers. After that, the CVT is almost certainly going to malfunction in the near future. Even if you follow all the tips on how to prolong its life.
I hope this article was helpful to you. If you have something to add, write in the comments below!
